When visiting the state parks in New York, I’m often guilty of taking a day trip to see the parks before venturing back home. This is especially true regarding state parks in the Finger Lakes that are within easy driving distance for a day trip. There is nothing wrong with taking a day trip. It is worth the drive to hike the Gorge Trail at Stony Brook State Park or take a scenic drive through Letchworth State Park. Yet, the region has so much to offer outside of gawking at the natural landscape.
Letchworth and Stony Brook state park are two perfect parks in the Finger Lakes to include in a Finger Lakes itinerary. These parks are incredibly unique and are under 20 miles from each other. While you could squeeze a visit to both these parks in one day, it is much better to spread the visit over a couple of days while adding some agricultural experiences to your itinerary. This itinerary allows you to experience the best these two state parks offer while enjoying the scenic winding country roads and charmingly wholesome farm country experiences. After spending time hiking and chasing waterfalls, treat yourself to one of the many craft beverages of the region. And don’t forget to indulge in experiences that will make your trip more fulfilling, such as farmers’ markets and strawberry picking. It is truly a rustic and wild experience in the Finger Lakes.
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When is the Best Time for this Letchworth and Stony Brook Itinerary?
If you want to follow this itinerary, the best time of the year to visit is from late spring to early fall. Several of the activities on this itinerary are only available from Memorial Day Weekend to sometime in October, including the Stony Brook Gorge Trail and rafting in Letchworth State Park.
Ideally, summer is the best time for this trip, as you will have the best possibility of warm weather.
TRAVEL TIP: Get the Empire Pass, which gives you admission into many NY State Parks, including Letchworth and Stony Brook!
Day 1: Letchworth State Park
Rafting Down the Genesee River in Letchworth
A rafting tour is one of the best ways to experience Letchworth State Park. This river paddle, through Adventure Calls Outfitters, is a 2.5-hour-long rafting tour down the Genesee River through Letchworth State Park, where you can raft through white waters and even see a hidden waterfall of Letchworth. This adventurous activity will allow you to dip your feet (quite literally) into the region.
Price: $50 pp
Address: 7051 Lower Falls Rd, Letchworth State Park, Castile NY 14427
Visit the Waterfalls and Views at Letchworth State Park
Letchworth is best experienced by taking a scenic drive and stopping at all the best overlooks and waterfalls. You may not have time for hiking (unless you stay the night before and set out for a hike before rafting), yet you certainly have time to drive through the park while stopping to take in the view. Don’t miss a stop at Inspiration Point, Upper Falls Scenic View, Middle Falls Lookout, and Great Bend Overlook. Time permitting, there are plenty of other overlooks to stop in Letchworth, yet these are the most picturesque.
Price: $10 parking fee (included in Empire Pass)
Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
Sample Hard Cider at Cider Creek
After a day full of chasing waterfalls and epic adventure, unwind at Cider Creek Hard Cider. Cider Creek is the most awarded farm cidery in New York and should be on the radar of many craft beverage enthusiasts visiting the Finger Lakes. Located in Canisteo, NY, this cidery is a bit of a drive from Letchworth State Park, yet it allows you to enjoy a scenic country drive for some delicious hard cider.
Where to Eat:
- Lunch: Time permitting, you can grab a late lunch at Glen Iris Inn, located in Letchworth State Park. After rafting, I didn’t quite have time for a sit-down lunch, so I would suggest bringing a picnic lunch to eat at the park, so you have more time for exploring.
- Dinner: There are two options for dinner. Either grab something to eat at Cider Creek Hard Cider. Their menu includes wood-fired pizza, which is the perfect balance with hard cider. Or head into the town of Hornell to treat yourself to delicious Italian cuisine at Marino’s.
Where to Stay:
I stayed at the Best Western Maple City Inn (Hornell, NY), close to Cider Creek Hard Cider. Hornell is only a 20-minute drive to get to Stony Brook State Park.
Day 2: Stony Brook State Park
Hike the Stony Brook Gorge Trail
Start your day with a hike along the Stony Brook Gorge Trail. The gorge trail is an easy trail that follows the gorge, passing two of the three major waterfalls in the park. Stony Brook State Park is perhaps the most underrated of the parks, with waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, allowing you to appreciate the natural surrounding without the crowds.
Price: $9 parking fee (included in Empire Pass)
Address: 10820 Route 36 South Dansville, NY 14437
READ MORE: Hiking the Gorge Trail at Stony Brook State Park
Swim in the Natural Pool at Stony Brook State Park
If you are visiting Stony Brook State Park in the height of summer, you can take a dip in the natural swimming pool in the park. At the base of the gorge, nearest to the parking lot is a dammed-off area of the gorge that you can swim in. This area is roped-off, and lifeguards are present when swimming is open, making it a fun and safe place to take a dip. Stony Brook has one of the best swimming holes in the Finger Lakes.
Stop at Fitzpatrick Farm Market
Stop at Fitzpatrick Farm Market, where you can browse the many local farm goods. Here you will find local produce, cheese, NY maple syrup, and more. If you are looking for a treat after spending time at Stony Brook State Park, there is even an ice cream stand at this farmers market.
Pick Your Own Strawberries at Schultheis Strawberries
The perfect summer day farm experience is picking strawberries. Head to Schultheis Strawberries to pick your own strawberries. You will receive a basket that you can fill with strawberries in the field. It is such a fun and relaxing experience. Eating these flavorful berries is even more rewarding after picking them with your hands.
Wine Tasting at Savor Vineyards
Is it a proper trip to the Finger Lakes without a wine tasting? I think not. End your trip with a stop at Savor Vineyards, where you can indulge in some award-winning wine. I suggest doing the wine tasting so you can try various wines at Savor Vineyards. Or grab a glass of your favorite wine or a wine slushie to sip while sitting on the patio overlooking the vineyards.
Where to Eat:
- Lunch: Brae Burn Country Club is located near Stony Brook State Park and is a great spot to stop for lunch. This was great to relax for a sit-down meal after hiking. Alternatively, you can grab sandwiches from the Deli at Fitzpatrick Farm Market. This is a great casual and quick option. You can even stop at the farm market before heading to Stony Brook if you want to have lunch in the park.
Letchworth and Stony Brook Itinerary: Wrap-up
Letchworth and Stony Brook are two perfect state parks to group into a Finger Lakes getaway. While both of these New York State Parks have waterfalls, they have a different feel from one another. Not only are these parks geographically nearby to one another, they offer two unique experiences.
If you liked this post, check out these other posts about the Finger Lakes:
Hiking the Stony Brook Gorge Trail
Reasons to Visit the Southern Finger Lakes
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Come Join My Journey was hosted by Explore Steuben, however, my opinions are as always my own.
